Advanced Placement Human Geography
2013-2014
Mrs. M. Maxon
Room: 126
mmaxon@gcsd.k12.sc.us
843-237-9899 ext. 2126
Course Overview
Advanced Placement Human Geography is an introductory college course in human geography. The course is structured according to
the course outline found in the most recent AP Human Geography Course Description published by the College Board. There are
seven units of study: geography, population, cultural patterns, political organization of space, agriculture, industrialization, and urban
land use. This purpose of this course is to introduce a systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human’s
understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. We will look spatially at the Earth to analyze human’s organization of space and
the environmental consequences of their decisions. We will be looking for patterns across the cultural landscape, trying to identify
trends, and anticipate future phenomena. We will also explore different methods and tools geographers use in their science and
practice.
Textbook
Rubenstein, James M. The Cultural Landscape: An Introduction to Human Geography. 7th ed. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice
Hall, 2002.
Additional Resources
Fellmann, Jerome Donald, Mark D. Bjelland, Arthur Getis, and Judith Getis. Human Geography: Landscapes of Human Activities.
Eleventh ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2010.
I use additional textbooks to prepare my lectures.
Student Evaluation
Each of the seven units will have a variety of readings, activities, videos, and assessments for the students to display full
understanding of the material. All unit tests will follow the AP exam format of multiple choice and free response questions. The
students will also be assessed on reading assignments as well as informal assessments in the form of class discussion, exit slips, and
writing prompts.
Attendance Policy:
Attendance is mandatory and will be taken at the beginning of each class period. Upon return to school following an excused absence,
the student will be given three days to make up any missed work. Students that are out on the day assignments are due should have all
assignments turned in no later than their first day back. If a student turns in an assignment late, points will be deducted each day they
are late up to 3 days. If a class period is missed, students are responsible for determining what needs to be made up. It would be a good
idea, for this reason, to get the phone number and email address of two classmates to have contacts to discuss missed work. Class
participation cannot be duplicated if a class is missed.
Essays:
All essays assigned are designed to help students develop essential writing skills and therefore are an important part of this course.
Essays will be graded analytically and the students will receive a copy of the grading rubric.
All essays will need to conform to MLA documentation standards discussed in class and must be typed in a version of Microsoft
Word. Papers must be double-spaced using Times New Roman size 12 font. Essay assignments should include the name of the
writer, the teacher’s name, class/section number, and the due date. Papers should be clipped or stapled.
Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is a serious offense within an academic environment. Plagiarism, cheating, collusion, falsification of information, or any
other form of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will result in a zero on the assignment in question. No exceptions.
Second Chance Policy:
In order to improve student learning and increase mastery of state objectives, students will have the opportunity to make up half of the
points missed on a major assessment by correcting errors on the original assessment and / or re-taking an assessment. The highest
possible score a student can receive is an 89. This is to be completed by a date set forth by the teacher.
Cell Phones/Music Devices:
Georgetown County Schools requires that students are not to have visible cell phones or other electronic communication devices
during class. Use of devices during class time will result in confiscation and/or administration referral.
Grading Scale:
The grading scale used to evaluate students is as follows: 93 -100 A, 85 - 92 B, 77 - 84 C, 70 - 76 D, 00 - 69 F.
Semester Assignments and Their Values
 Major Assessments
(Projects, Tests)
 Minor Assignments
(Essays, Book Reports, Primary
Source Docs., Group Work)
 Quizzes & Class Work
Total
Course Planner
Topic
55%
25%
20%
100%
Multiple-Choice
Coverage on AP Exam
5-10%
Readings
Time
Rubenstein, Ch. 1
Fellmann, Ch. 1
4 weeks
II. Population
13-17%
5 weeks
III. Cultural Patterns and
Processes
13-17%
Rubenstein Ch. 2-3
Fellmann, Ch. 3-4
Rubenstein Ch. 4-7
Fellmann, Ch. 2, 5, 7
IV. Political Organization
of space
13-17%
Rubenstein Ch. 8
Fellmann, Ch. 12
5 weeks
Semester Exam
Includes Units I-III
V. Agricultural
13-17%
VI. Industrialization and
Economic Development
13-17%
I. Geography: Its Nature
and Perspectives
VII. Cities and Urban
Land Use
Exam Review
13-17%
Rubenstein Ch. 10 (Key
Issue 3)
Fellmann, Ch. 13
Rubenstein Ch. 9, 11
(Key Issues 1 and 2)
Fellmann, Ch. 8-10
Rubenstein Ch. 12-13
Fellmann, Ch. 11
6 weeks
December (week before
winter break)
4 weeks
4 weeks
4 weeks
2 weeks
Classroom Contacts
Classmate 1: Name__________________________________________ Phone #:____________________
Email address:_____________________________________________________________
Classmate 2: Name__________________________________________ Phone #:____________________
Email address:_____________________________________________________________
Any changes made to the syllabus will be promptly addressed with the students.
I have read and understand the syllabus.
Student Signature:
Parent Signature: